Recording Data
Dive into Conservation!
How do we get all those vital observations in to our database?
Volunteers completing a Seasearch form after a dive or snorkel will record ‘everything’ they see and recognise during the survey, not just documenting the presence (or absence) from a pre-determined list of marine life.
As well as describing the underwater landscape in terms of the physical seabed and the main biological communities found there, an estimate of the abundance of the marine life is also logged.
There are two different levels of recording data (see to the right).
We also have three specific surveys which are detailed below – Sea fans, Crawfish and Sea caves.
The observation form
The form and its use are explained in detail in the entry-level Observer course. This is a straightforward form that can be completed after any dive and provides information about the main habitat and seabed cover types you found on your dive as well as some of the principal species of marine life.
It takes between 15 and 30 minutes to complete and gives us an excellent overview of a site to build up the map.
This form can be filled in on paper, or electronically using PDF, and if you really want to, you can fill it in on a Kindle Scribe of similar device – makes it a lot easer to email! Forms are linked at the end of this page.
The survey form
The more detailed level of recording is done on the Survey Form – covered in the higher-level Surveyor training.
A Survey form requires more time and effort to complete but also provides us with much more information to use.
This form is used for more comprehensive data collection, possibly as a follow-up to an initial Observation form from a new/un-recorded site.
As with the Observer Form, this form can be completed in paper format, or as a PDF. You can download the form at the bottom of this page. Which ever method you use to complete your form, you will have to give them as hard copies to your co-ordinator/ Seasearch survey organiser, or email to the forms@seasearch.org.uk address
Aids for identification
In order to improve the quality of records received Seasearch produces a series of illustrated identification guides. These range from an introductory guide to a range of species to more specialised guides for different groups, currently covering Sea Anemones and Corals, Sea Squirts and Sponges, Seaweeds and Bryozoans and Hydroids. All of the guides are aimed at improving in situ recording and are illustrated by underwater images from Seasearch divers.
Copies of all of these guides can be bought from one of our suppliers as we don’t currently run the Seasearch shop.
Sea cave surveys
Sea fan surveys
Sea fans - Eunicella verrucosa (pink seafan) and Swiftia pallida (northern seafan) - are both priority marine species and all records of them are important.
Find out more about sea fans and how to collect sea fan data on the sea fan survey page.
Crawfish recording
The aim of this recording project is to record crawfish sightings to add to our knowledge of the distribution of crawfish and to inform other research and management measures to protect them. If you are recording crawfish, remember you only need to provide their location on one form or by one method only; this will avoid duplication, to find out more click HERE!
Cornwall Wildlife Trust has a campaign for divers and boat owners to pledge not to collect crawfish. Please sign up to this and show your support - Hands off our crawfish!